Autism investigation

What is autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neuropsychiatric disability that affects social relationships, communication and behavior.

There are different levels of severity depending on how much the diagnosis affects areas such as study, work and relationships, but each individual with autism is also unique.

Here you can learn more about the disability and what an assessment might mean for you.

According to Health Direct, about 1 in 150 Australians has ASD. The characteristics of ASD usually start in infancy. But they may not be noticeable until the age of 2 or 3 years. Sometimes ASD is diagnosed much later in life.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk

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Often, people have thought about it for a long time before doing an assessment for autism. If you are a child, the question may have arisen from the school or a parent is wondering. If you are an adult, you may have noticed that you function in a slightly different way and have had some difficulties at school, at work or in relationships. An assessment can provide several benefits and help you gain:

• Understanding: to clarify your situation and understand why some things may be more challenging for you.
• Treatment plan: With a diagnosis, you and your healthcare team can make recommendations for treatment. You can get help with social skills training and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
• Support: A diagnosis can give you access to resources and support that would otherwise not be available. For example, you are entitled to extra support for studies even as an adult.

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Steps in an autism assessment

If you or a loved one exhibits these symptoms, the first step is to seek professional help. As it can be unclear what this means, we have produced an overview of how an autism assessment usually works:

• Assessment by a specialist: A psychologist or psychiatrist will make an initial assessment.
• Tests and interviews: These may include psychological cognitive tests and discussion with family members.
• Diagnostic evaluation: An overall picture of your condition is made and a diagnosis is established.

Private assessment for autism

Taking the step to find out if you have an autism diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also important to get the help you may need. Here we go into a little more detail about what an assessment entails. Dealing with this can seem overwhelming, but with a simple and easy-to-understand guide, we want to make the hard part easier.

Step 1: Recognize the symptoms

Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing. These can include difficulties socially, routine and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.

Step 2: Consult a licensed healthcare provider

The first and most important step is to seek professional help. A diagnosis of autism can only be made by a medical specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Here at Lavendla, we can help you make that connection.

Step 3: The autism assessment

After an initial assessment that suggests you may have autism, we can proceed with an assessment. This may include interviews, cognitive testing and discussions with family members. If the assessment involves children, the school is usually included in the assessment.

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Step 4: Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with autism, you will receive a written statement and the next step is to discuss interventions. These can vary from person to person, but usually include therapy and other supports.

Step 5: Psychotherapy and support

Talk therapy can help you develop skills to manage the symptoms of autism. This includes social skills training, cognitive behavioural therapy and stress management.

Having a supportive network is important. Talk to family and friends and explain your situation to get the support you need. There may also be family meetings and training courses if those close to you want to learn more.

Step 6: Follow-up and adaptation

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to see how the treatment is working and if any adjustments need to be made.

How long does an autism assessment take?

An assessment takes about 8-20 hours and is usually completed within 2-3 months. If the assessment concerns children, it usually takes a little longer as the school is included in the assessment.

Getting help without having to wait

At Lavendla, you don’t have to be on a waiting list. If you or someone you know has lived with undiagnosed autism, it can be a tough journey. But remember, it’s never too late to seek help and get the care you need. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the assessment and diagnosis.

One step closer to an autism assessment

If you are seeking professional help for ADHD or other mental health problems, we have a network of experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you on your journey to better mental health. As we believe that the threshold for assessment and treatment should be low, we have made it easy to get in touch with a specialist via our contact form.

What help is available for autism?

After a diagnosis, it may be time to start treatment. That’s why we want to give you some more detailed information about what help is available after the assessment.

Autism diagnosis

First of all, it is important to get a correct diagnosis. An evaluation is carried out by a psychiatrist and psychologist, you can read more about the assessment above.

Psychotherapy

Treatment for autism may include social skills training, in a group or individual setting. You can also attend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors to improve your well-being. Lavandla’s psychologists can help you or you can get a referral to other services for different interventions for people with autism.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you deal with your symptoms. You can get support from a psychologist or therapist to maintain routines such as:

• Regular exercise
• Sleep hygiene
• Structured diet

Support and help

A good support system can make a difference to your health. Therefore, family, friends and support groups can give you the extra push you need.

This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can be seen on video for 20 or 45 minutes. So you can book a call just to see how it feels, all to make the hard stuff easier.